War Academy is favorite in the Arkansas Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Bob Baffert knows well how to train a horse to win at Oaklawn Park.

The Hall of Fame trainer hopes to once again capture an important race at the park on Saturday, when he sends out favorite War Academy in the $1 million Arkansas Derby.

A Baffert-trained colt, Bodemeister, won the Kentucky Derby prep race last year, and the Californian guided horses to three straight wins at Oaklawn's Rebel Stakes before D. Wayne Lukas' Will Take Charge snapped that streak last month.

War Academy, who has had only three starts this year, is one of two Baffert horses in Saturday's race and both are among the top picks. War Academy, with jockey Mike Smith, was made a 2-1 favorite after drawing the second gate Wednesday, and Den's Legacy is at 6-1.

Oxbow, who was edged by Will Take Charge at last month's Rebel Stakes, drew the far outside No. 10 gate and was made a 5-2 choice.

Wise Dan wins. Wise Dan showed again that he's getting better with age, as the 6-year-old took control at the top of the stretch Friday to win the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile feature at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. With Jose Lezcano aboard, the 2012 horse of the year and race favorite, ran a mile on the turf in 1:36.37.

Wide open Blue Grass. Uncaptured is the early 7-2 favorite for Saturday's $750,000 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Rydilluc and Java's War are both 4-1.